ABSTRACT
Although there is increasing recognition of the role of culture in shaping climate change perception and adaptation, our understanding of its effects is still limited. Focusing on two mountains in central Kenya, we investigated how cultural differences related to ethnicity shape observations of climatic changes, its impacts, and adaptation strategies. We administered semi-structured questionnaires to 300 respondents, comprising 150 smallholder Kikuyu farmers in the Aberdare Range and 150 smallholder Meru farmers in Mount Kenya. Respondents reported several climatic changes and impacts, with limited differences between ethnic groups. Some differences in adaptation strategies used were reported, with, for example, irrigation being more widespread amongst the Meru than among the Kikuyu. Results highlight important cultural differences in shaping adaptation strategies, mostly related to values and social cohesion. For adaptation actions to be successful local context(s) and culture(s) should be considered.
